Charges Possible In Death Of Ky. 2-Year-Old Shot By Brother

NPR -- The heartbreaking death of a 2-year-old Kentucky girl who was shot and killed Tuesday by her 5-year-old brother with a rifle he had been given as a gift might lead to criminal charges.

The Lexington Herald-Leader writes that "Kentucky State Police said Wednesday it is too early to say whether charges will be filed in the case of a 5-year-old boy who accidentally shot and killed his 2-year-old sister."

That was a shift from earlier in the day, when a spokesman for the state police had said it was unlikely any charges would be filed.

"There is still some information that we don't fully understand," Trooper Billy Gregory later said, according to the newspaper. "As the investigation continues and when we finish, I'm sure we'll present the totality of the circumstances to the commonwealth's attorney and then he'll make a decision whether or not to present to the grand jury."

11. stupid, stupid judge

'Learning how to use a gun at a young age has been common for generations in rural Kentucky,' said County Judge-Executive John A. Phelps Jr.

I've never touched a gun, never had formal or informal training. But even I know the #1 rule of handling a gun: never point it at anybody, ever. Even if you believe it is not loaded, it might be. Even if you just unloaded it, you might have missed something. So this rural boy who had his own gun and complete access to it for a full year have never even been taught the #1 rule of handling a gun. That was no accident.

He said it was a 'mistake' to let the boy have access to the rifle, 'but it was an accident.' "

The parents routinely kept the gun in a corner, giving easy access. That 1. was a stupid choice, not a mistake and 2. was no accident.